ATLANTA -- Two Atlanta university presidents have launched a nationwide gun safety movement.

Lawrence Schall of Oglethorpe University and Elizabeth Kiss of Agnes Scott College released an open letter Thursday regarding gun safety legislation, co-signed to date by more than 160 college and university presidents from across the country.

Schall started the effort and was then joined by Kiss. The other signatures were gathered in just a few days and the number continues to grow, they say.

"We are parents and grandparents first, but we are also educators of America's children," Schall said in a statement. "Our country was devastated by the recent events in Connecticut, yet the murder rate by guns in this country has been at an unconscionable level for a very long time."

"I just think everyone now realizes it is time to do what we can to try to reverse this tragic trend," Schall continued. "We all know the answer is not simple and that no single action will accomplish that goal, but that cannot be a reason for inaction."